Tom McKibbin has praised the influence of Rory McIlroy after claiming the lead in the Singapore Classic.
McKibbin, who is from the same golf club as world number one McIlroy, carded eight birdies in a flawless opening 64 to enjoy a one-shot lead at Laguna National.
France’s Matthieu Pavon, Finland’s Sami Valimaki and the Swedish pair of Simon Forsstrom and Joakim Lagergren all shot 65 as the players tamed a 7,420-yard course known locally as ‘The Beast’.